Hoboken And Jersey City Restaurants Offer Free Thanksgiving Meals

HOBOKEN AND JERSEY CITY, NJ — Several restaurants in Hudson County have made a tradition of serving free, professionally prepared Thanksgiving meals to those needy or alone, and they say they won't stop the giveaways this year — despite coronavirus restrictions. Instead of serving indoors, a restaurant in Hoboken and one in Jersey City said that they'll just cook and hand out to-go meals.

Mario's Pizza in Hoboken posted on Instagram this week, "With all that’s going on this year we can not and will not stop a tradition that’s has been going on for over TWENTY YEARS !! ... Due to the countless restrictions this year we can’t have anyone enjoy their meals here with us but that won’t stop us from bringing a little joy to our community. This year we will be giving away our FREE TRADITIONAL TURKEY!! Meals to anyone and everyone who stops by but it will be to pick up and take away only. A full meal including dessert will be provided so please help spread the word."

The meals are for anyone who needs them: "Anyone who needs a meal, has nowhere to go, can’t figure out how to cook a turkey or just simply wants to stop by and say hi and grab something to eat is more thank welcome and encouraged to come by," they wrote. "We love seeing you all!" They're located at the corner of Garden and Eighth streets. Mayor Ravi Bhalla clarified the hours in a message to residents Wednesday, "If you would like a meal delivered or know someone who needs one, stop by 742 Garden St. beginning at 12 p.m. on Thursday, or call 201-659-0808."

The Iron Monkey Cafe in Jersey City said in an email that subject to availability: "The Iron Monkey Restaurant will host its 22nd annual Thanksgiving Dinner Event on Thursday. Since 1996, the Iron Monkey has opened its doors to the Jersey City community and offered free Thanksgiving meals to anyone in need of a place to celebrate the holiday. This year, the Iron Monkey plans to serve Grab-n-Go Thanksgiving meals to the Jersey City community. Throughout this uncertain year, Jersey City locals have been our lifeblood, keeping our business afloat through extremely tough times ... While many of our guests come from local retirement communities, anyone in need of a meal and some holiday cheer is welcome to participate."

The meals will be given out at the front door (99 Greene St.) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., subject to availability. Call 201-435-5756 to make sure there are meals left, and visit www.ironmonkey.com for more information. Donation partners include WorkStrategy and friends of the Iron Monkey, Bob, Keith, and Eric.

Other businesses and nonprofits are offering ways to give back to the community.

In Hoboken, the new Verizza pizza says that they will be donating a percentage of orders this weekend toward sending food to the Hoboken homeless shelter. (Find out other ways to help the Hoboken Homeless Shelter here.)

Hoboken also has a community food pantry, and In Jesus' Name charity also has said they have Thanksgiving staples to give to the needy. Check with City Hall for the food pantry and other resources, or for In Jesus' Name, more information is here.

Are you a business or charity giving away free Thanksgiving meals or holding a charity event or promotion? Post your information in the comments below!

Meanwhile, other businesses will be offering discounts, promotions, and giveaways this weekend as part of Small Business Saturday. Click here to find participating businesses in Hoboken Small Business Saturday.

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